1-Cent Napa Sales Tax Increase Set To Kick In

NAPA, CA —The city of Napa is set to begin collecting revenue April 1 from the 1-cent sales tax approved by voters last November.

With new revenue becoming available soon from Measure G, city officials said immediate steps have been taken to begin its implementation— including approving significant mid-year budget adjustments at the March 18 City Council meeting. Additionally, the city began accepting applications for the Measure G Citizens Oversight Committee March 20..

The City Council’s mid-year budget adjustments allocate approximately $5 million of Measure G’s first-quarter collections toward key projects aligned with the priorities expressed by Napa residents, including:

• Westwood Rehab Interior ($3.3 million) – Funding the design and construction of curb, gutter and full street reconstruction in the Westwood Neighborhood, including new sidewalks to enhance pedestrian safety.
• Playground & Amenity Project ($1.2 million) – Renovating multiple park sites that were noted as needing major repairs and improvements in the 2023 Parks Condition assessment, including Esther Deaver Park, Solomon Park and Monarch Park.
• Park Shade Structures Project ($500,000) – Installing overhead shade canopies in community gathering spaces to address a major community request from the 2024 Community Survey while improving amenities identified in the 2023 Parks Conditions Assessment.

These initial investments reflect the city’s commitment to fulfilling the promises made to voters and addressing the critical infrastructure needs, city officials said.

Looking ahead, the city plans to enter preliminary negotiations with the Napa Valley Unified School District to purchase the Harvest Middle School property. The school, which remains intact, features a swimming pool, athletic facility and a gymnasium — offering a unique opportunity to fill gaps in Napa’s park and recreation system. This acquisition, likely supported by Measure G funding, could also help address multiple city priorities, including expanding affordable housing options and public spaces.

Measure G Citizens Oversight Committee

Once formed, the five-member oversight committee will play an essential role in reviewing expenditures and ensuring funds are allocated to initiatives that reflect the needs and priorities of Napa residents.

"Public oversight is essential to maintaining trust in how these funds are utilized," said City Manager Steve Potter. "The Oversight Committee will provide an extra layer of accountability, ensuring that every dollar of Measure G funding is spent wisely, in alignment with community priorities and contributes to building a stronger Napa for all of our residents."

The committee will include five community members, with two positions requiring specific qualifications:

• One member with experience in accounting or finance, preferably for public agencies
• One member with experience in municipal operations and capital project delivery

Committee members will be appointed by the City Council and serve two-year terms. In addition to providing an annual audit and report of Measure G revenues and expenditures, the committee will review projects, initiatives and city operations funded by Measure G.

Interested residents can apply online at CityOfNapa.org/MeasureG. Applications will be accepted through April 11.

See the city's Measure G webpage.